India beats Iran to claim maiden Junior World Kabaddi Championship title

The Men in Blue won the final match by a margin of 8 points.

India defeated reigning champions Iran (41-33) to clinch the 2nd edition of the men’s Junior World Kabaddi Championship. The match started on an even note with both teams scoring a point each in the opening raid. India made successful use of the review inside the opening five minutes. Iran was awarded three raid points by the referees but the third umpire gave the result in favour of India. Star raider Narender Kandola started the game on a steady note along with vice-captain Manjeet Sharma. 

Close to five reviews were taken by two teams in the opening ten minutes and there were many stoppages in between each raid. The host inflicted the first all-out and took a lead of four points (15-11). India fought back strongly and finished the first half with one point deficit (18-19). 

India scored four quick points and inflicted an all-out regaining back the lead (25-20). The reigning champions kept fighting back and never the lead go beyond five points. At 32-30, India was down to three players, Narender Kandola played maturely scoring crucial points through bonus and tackle points. Iran reduced the lead to two points but couldnt capitalize on the momentum losing two points through a super tackle and handing India a five-point lead (36-31) with three minutes remaining in the clock.

Indian captain Ankush Rathee took complete care of the defence with the defenders not indulging in unsuccessful and advanced tackles. In the end, India defeated Iran by a nine-point margin (41-33) to clinch the second edition of the men’s Junior World Kabaddi Championship. Pakistan and Nepal were the joint bronze medallist with the former winning it for the second time in a row. 

India’s overall Result

Group Stage

India 67-34 Thailand

India 74-23 Bangladesh

Quarterfinals

India 54-36 Chinese Taipei

Semifinals

India 75-29 Pakistan

Final

India 41-33 Iran